The Economic Development Center @ CMAA

January 2025 Newsletter

Upcoming Events

The Economic Development Center at Chinese Mutual Aid Association is excited to announce the following events!

January 30: How to Start A Business in Illinois

💡Client Spotlight🎉

We are excited to celebrate our client, Herb Restaurant, for hosting the 11th Annual Asian American Executive Network Happy Hour and Networking Event in December! Located in Edgewater, Herb offers a fresh, upscale twist on traditional Thai dishes, bringing the vibrant flavors of Thailand to Chicago in an unforgettable way.

The ambiance was absolutely spectacular, and the food was nothing short of exquisite! A heartfelt thank you to Chef Patty Neumson for her warm hospitality and the unforgettable Thai cuisine!

Be sure to visit Herb at 5424 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640. Whether you're craving fresh, flavorful dishes or looking for a unique dining experience, Herb is the perfect spot to satisfy your culinary cravings and enjoy a taste of Thailand!

https://www.herbchicago.com/

Upcoming Grants

• PRIORITY
• OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program
• Amount= $10,000-$245,000
• Specifically designed for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSBs) with 25 or fewer full-time employees.
• Watch this Pre-Qualification Video as it pertains to eligibility
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 4/7/25
• All Small Businesses
• Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program
• The grant award amount will vary per recommendation identified in the environmental report
• Specifically for dry-cleaning facility, auto body or auto repair shop, metal finisher, metal fabricator or food and beverage manufacturer located in suburban Cook County.
• DEADLINE: Rolling basis
• Secretsos™ Small Business Grant
• Amount=$2,500
• Application Fee= $15
• DEADLINE: 11:59 PM on 3/31/25
• Hustler’s MicroGrant
• Amount= $1,000
• Application Fee= $15
• DEADLINE: 1/31/25
• Small Business Improvement Fund by City of Chicago and SomerCor
• Amount= Determined by the property and business type (MAX- Commercial- $150,000 & Industrial-$250,000)
• February TIF Districts (check your TIF District)
• 53rd Street
• 105th/Vincennes
• Devon/Sheridan
• Michigan/Cermak
• Wilson Yard
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 3/2/25 
• People of Color & Women of Color
• The Well Work x Justworks - Just Thrive Program
• Amount= Up to $6,000
• Must have at least two W2 employees
• DEADLINE: 3/31/25
• EmpowHer Grants
• Amount= Up to $25,000
• DEADLINE: 3/31/25
• Amber Grant Foundation
• Amount= $10,000-$25,000
• For ALL WOMEN
• Application Fee= $15
• Various options, learn more
• DEADLINE: 1/31/25
• HerRise MicroGrant
• Amount= $1,000
• Application Fee= $15
• DEADLINE: 1/31/25
• Black & Minority Marketing Grant
• No cash component, free search engine optimization (SEO) evaluations & advice
• DEADLINE: Rolling basis
• Restaurants
• DoorDash Restaurant Relief Disaster Relief Fund
• Amount= $10,000
• DEADLINE: 5:00 PM on 3/3/25
• Manufacturing
• Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented
• Amount= $5,000-$25,000
• DEADLINE: Rolling basis

If you need any assistance with grants or have further questions please contact us at illinoissbdc@chinesemutualaid.org

Please schedule a counseling session or ask questions by emailing illinoisbdc@chinesemutualaid.org. Stay tuned for our next newsletter!

Sincerely,

The Economic Development Center at CMAA

IL SBDC

Website | IL SBDC, NBDC, IL APEX

IL APEX